Game Preview: Preds vs Ducks

Yesterday afternoon, the Nashville Predators continued their west coast swing when they took on the streaking Los Angeles Kings.

The first period was filled with more of a “feeling out” process as both teams evenly had chances, shots to put the score at 0-0.

During the second period, both teams ramped up the intensity and the penalties as well. There were three scores within the period, and all three were power-play goals.

The first score came at 4:28 of the period as Tyler Toffoli beat Pekka Rinne. The Preds would tack on the next two goals by James Neal (12:53) and Shea Weber (16:15). The third period would begin with Nashville clinging to a 2-1 lead.

The third period was jam-packed with action as well. Los Angeles would come back with two goals of their own from Tyler Toffoli (7:06) and Andy Andreoff (10:08).

Ryan Ellis tied the game up at 13:08 to send the match into overtime.

Nashville and lost Angeles went back-and-forth during the extra time, but with 18 seconds left, Jeff Carter was able to beat Rinne.

The Preds were able to get a point, but would fall to the Kings 4-3.

Tonight, Nashville will continue their lengthy road trip as they meet up with the Anaheim Ducks for the second time the season.

The Ducks (1-7-2) lost their last match-up to the St. Louis Blues 2-1.

Keys to Watch

Ten Days Later

Ten days ago, these two teams faced off in Nashville for what was thought to be an epic contest. Both fan-bases are not too keen of one another. After the end of that match up, where the Preds won 5-1, these two teams have gone separate ways. Nashvile has been a consistent team, with there only losses being close overtime losses against Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. Anaheim has went 0-5 with losses against Chicago, Dallas, and Minnesota. Look for the Ducks to try to right the ship, and take out their aggression on the Predators.

Rinne or Hutton

After last night’s overtime loss to Los Angeles, look for Carter Hutton to be the starter in today’s match-up. Rinne has been the workhorse for Nashville the season. He has appeared in all but one match. Hutton’s lone appearance of the season came on October 17th against the Ottawa Senators. In that match-up, Hutton stopped 38 out of 41 shots, a save percentage of .927, and gave Nashville the victory. This seems to be a perfect spot for Carter Hutton to get his second start of the season against a struggling Anaheim team.

Oh, Mr. Wilson!!!

Where in the world has Colin Wilson been this season? Is this a traditional slow start or something more? So far this season, Wilson has five points, three of which came the last time Nashville played Anaheim. The Preds need Wilson to get back on track. It would be nice to see the Colin Wilson that was seen in the playoffs last season!

The Predators will look to get back on track tonight against a struggling Ducks squad. The game will be covered on Fox Sports-Tennessee or you can listen live on 102.5 The Game.

Brandon was born and raised in Lebanon, Tennessee but eventually moved to McMinnville, Tennessee after marrying his wife, Lindsey. He is a graduate of Cumberland University (GO BULLDOGS) with a Master of Arts in Education. Growing up in Middle Tennessee, hockey was not an interest early in life. He is a hockey convert. His introduction to hockey was through free tickets from his grandmother for a game between the Predators and the Dallas Stars. After this initial introduction, it has truly been an obsession. Along with his wife and son, Brandon goes to as many games as he can. From statistics to player interactions, he has become the ultimate hockey fan. He is a proud father, teacher, history nerd, music-lover, and true sports fanatic!